Toshiba’s medium voltage VFDs are known for their robust design, advanced control capabilities, small footprint, and high reliability in industrial applications. Toshiba entered the medium voltage VFD market in 2002 with their flagship model: the T300MVi. The T300MVi was replaced by the T300MV2 in 2016 and continues to be Toshiba’s primary medium voltage VFD offering. Unlike some manufacturers who move to a completely different drive altogether, Toshiba only changed the control platform and keypad interface (see pictures below), while leaving the “guts” of the drive largely the same as its predecessor. The power cells are interchangeable between the two models, which saves money in spare parts costs. Parts for the T300MVi controls are quickly becoming obsolete (although, we probably have some), so we suggest upgrading to the T300MV2 control platform.
Although there are many, good medium voltage variable frequency drives out there, the Toshiba T300MVi and T300MV2 excels in a few areas:
Pre-Charge Circuitry:
Toshiba’s platform has an inherent pre-charge contactor in addition to a main’s cut off contactor. This allows the capacitors within the drive to “softly” charge which cuts down on initial inrush current by the VFD. Many MV Drive manufacturers do not have this feature, but we can help you integrate a pre-charge if needed.
Oil-Filled Capacitors:
Toshiba’s drives utilize oil-filled capacitors instead of electrolytic capacitors which are used by many other manufactures. Oil-filled capacitors have a much longer shelf life than electrolytic capacitors, although they are harder and more expensive to change out.
Compact Footprint:
The T300 series drives have one of the most compact footprints in the market. This can be an advantage when space is at a premium but can also be a disadvantage for maintenance purposes. Most compact = less room for airflow and tougher access to components during maintenance.
Integrated Disconnect:
Toshiba’s standard drives come with a built-in disconnect/knife switch for input voltage isolation. Although this is offered by every medium voltage VFD manufacturer, many of them are offered as an optional add-on, while the Toshiba drive offers it as standard.
Output Topology:
The T300MVi and the T300MV2 both offer a five-level, PWM output. As far as “motor friendliness”, the 5-level is in the high range but there are other brands like the Yaskawa MV1000, that have an even more sinusoidal output.
Serviceability:
The T300MVi and the T300MV2 are both built with a modular design, allowing for a quick change out of failed power cells. The cells get larger as the drives get larger but they still can be changed in a matter or minutes instead of days. There are many other drives, like the Siemens/Innomotics Perfect Harmony series MV Drives that employ a similar, quick-swap design.
We Can Help!
At EMA, we’re extremely familiar with the Toshiba T300MVi and T300MV2 platform. Since Toshiba has these drives across the globe, we literally see them on a weekly basis, and we have several refurbished ones available for sale as well. If you need service, preventative maintenance, or technical support on your Toshiba T300MVi or T300MV2 Medium Voltage Variable Frequency Drive, lets us help you! Email us, call us, or reach out via our online chat. Let us prove to you that No One, ANYWHERE, Is Better At Drives Than We Are!